Question

What Is the Six Major Actions in the Swallowing Reflex?

Answer 1

1. The soft palate (including the uvula) raises, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity.

2. The hyoid bone and the larynx are elevated. A flaplike structure attached to the larynx, called the epiglottis, closes off the top of the larynx so that food is less likely to enter the trachea.

3. The tongue is pressed against the soft palate, sealing off the oral cavity

4. The longitudinal muscles in the pharyngeal wall contract, pulling the pharynx upward toward the food.

5. Muscles in the lower portion of the pharynx relax, opening the esophagus.

6. A peristaltic wave begins in the pharyngeal muscles and forces the food into the esophagus